Adoption of improved agricultural technologies for Irish potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) among farmers in Mbeya Rural district, Tanzania: A case of Ilungu ward

Abstract

This study was carried out in Ilungu ward Mbeya Rural district, Tanzania to assess adoption of improved agricultural technologies for Irish potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) among farmers. Specific objectives were identification of improved agricultural technologies for Irish potatoes farming disseminated in the area; to determine extent of adoption of these technologies; and identification of factors influencing adoption. Study design was a cross sectional survey in two randomly selected villages from the ward in which 60 households were involved. Quantitative data from household heads were collected in the area using a structured questionnaire. In-depth interviews with extension officers were also carried out to obtain relevant data for the study. Results indicate that a range of improved agricultural technologies (eight technologies) have been disseminated in the area by extension agents. Extent of adoption among farmers varied with type of technology. Seeding rate, timely sowing and fungicide application were the highly adopted technologies. Each of these technologies was adopted by at least 80% of surveyed households. Improved varieties and pesticide application were used by 58% and 51% of the surveyed households, respectively and hence moderately adopted technologies. Least adopted technologies were recommended chemical fertilizer application rate as well as folial/booster fertilizer application which were used by nearly one- third of surveyed households, and recommended spacing which was not used by any of the surveyed households. Assessed by number of technologies adopted (overall adoption), results indicate half of surveyed households to have adopted not more than three out of eight of improved agricultural technologies for Irish potatoes disseminated in the area, reflecting poor overall adoption by a significant portion of surveyed households. Results for Multiple Linear Regression Analysis indicated that increased household income, being a male or married by a household head, increased farming experience, access to credit and extension services were positively and significantly associated with overall adoption. Based on these results recommendations for improving adoption have been indicated.